Why scientist Dr Karl wants all Aussies to be walking backwards regularly
Australian scientist Dr Karl has revealed the unlikely physical and neurological benefits of walking backwards – and why you shouldn’t let ‘looking weird’ get in the way of your health.
The beloved doctor said retro running strengthens the muscles in the front of your thighs and the muscles in the back of your buttocks.
“It puts less strain on the knee joint on the inside and on the back, so you don’t get any extra pain there,” he says in a video.
Scientists have also previously discovered that walking backwards improves your short-term memory.
Research shows that retrowalking can sharpen people’s minds and help people with knee osteoarthritis and chronic back pain.
Dr. Karl said that walking backwards improves your sense of proprioception – that’s when you know where your body parts are.
“You’re less likely to stumble and fall because that feeling makes you walk in an unusual way.”
Dr. Karl recommended starting with walking backwards for 30 seconds at one-third normal walking speed.
Australian scientist Dr. Karl has revealed the unlikely physical and neurological benefits of walking backwards
“By the time you can walk at normal speed for 10 minutes, you are so much stronger!” he said.
However, keep in mind that walking backward increases the chance of you falling and hitting your head.
Dr. Karl recommended getting a guide and taking turns walking backwards for an extra layer of safety.
Many Australians shared their views on retro-ambulation.
“My chiropractor told me this and also emphasized sideways walking,” said one. “It helped rejuvenate my sacroiliac joints.”
“I lived in Shanghai years ago and every day there was an old man walking backwards down the street with a four-liter bottle of water in each hand,” says another. “I knew he was onto something.”